The state units of the Hajj Committee have asked the Government to terminate the monopoly of Air India as the only carrier of pilgrims. In a bid to put an end to the monopoly of Air India, the Hajj Committee had demanded the right to negotiate with short listed bidders. The Committee has asked the Government to constitute a team, including representatives of External Affairs, Civil Aviation and Finance ministries to handle the matter.
According to the Committee, those pilgrims who wish to make alternative arrangement through Hajj tour operators, or other airlines, may also be allowed. The Committee has proposed that it be allowed to finalise the ticket amount and travel plans with other airlines. It has asked the Government to make changes in the procedures before the next Hajj pilgrimage. If the Government wants to continue with the monopoly of Air India, it must recalculate Hajj fare on non-profit, no loss basis, the Committee has demanded. The Committee expressed angst over the fact that the pilgrims face difficulties in carrying holy water from Makkah in the A-I flights and wanted the Government to take necessary demands.